James's Problems

Question 1

What were James’s expectations of his new territories in England and Ireland?

Answer 1

He described himself as being like a poor man wandering about 40 years in a wilderness and barren soil, and now arriving at the land of promise.

Question 2

What economic issues did England face during James’s reign due to an increase in the population?

Answer 2

Inflation and unemployment due to population doubling to around 5 million and increased pressure on resources from harvest failure.

Question 3

How did Scotland compare to England during James’s reign?

Answer 3

Scotland was relatively poor, weak, and backward compared to England.

Question 4

What was the predominant religion in Scotland?

Answer 4

Presbyterianism.

Question 5

What type of church governance was present in England during James’s reign?

Answer 5

Episcopacy.

Question 6

What did James want between England and Scotland?

Answer 6

A union between England and Scotland.

Question 7

What was the status of Ireland compared to Scotland during James’s reign?

Answer 7

Ireland was not independent like Scotland and was more similar to a colony.

Question 8

Who were the three powerful religious groups in Ireland?

Answer 8

• Native peasant Irish (Catholic majority)
• Old English residents (Catholic)
• New English residents (Protestants controlling Dublin government)

Question 9

What was the fear among Protestants regarding James’s religious policies?

Answer 9

That he could favor Catholics and grant them concessions.

Question 10

What role did Parliament play in financing the crown?

Answer 10

Parliament granted subsidies

Question 11

What was the belief of Parliament regarding the king’s finances?

Answer 11

The king should live off his own and only ask for money in emergencies.

Question 12

What group of Protestants sought to purify the church of Catholic influence?

Answer 12

Puritans.

Question 13

What did some Puritans want to replace in the church structure?

Answer 13

They wanted to replace the Episcopalian church with a Presbyterian version.

Question 14

What financial issues did Queen Elizabeth leave for James?

Answer 14

Debts of £350,000, but these were covered by money owed by France and the Dutch and by an uncollected subsidy.

Question 15

What was the problem with the book of rates inherited from Queen Elizabeth?

Answer 15

It had not been updated since 1558 and it regulated customs

Question 16

Fill in the blank: James’s mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was a _______.

Answer 16

Catholic.

Question 17

True or False: James wanted to eliminate bishops from the Anglican Church.

Answer 17

False.

Question 18

What were the conflicting views regarding the king’s authority?

Answer 18

The king justified his power through the Divine Right of Kings, while Parliament relied on the ancient constitution and common law.

Question 19

What did James’s write in the Basilikon Doron?

Answer 19

“Albeit it is true that the king is above the law”

Question 20

Who influenced James to marry Charles off to the Spanish infanta?

Answer 20

Count Gondomar.
He was the Spanish ambassador to England